Written by Chris Lindeke | Photos by Craig Schreiner, Kyle Winter
For the third consecutive year, the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater will welcome thousands of Special Olympics athletes, family and friends to campus for competition and fun.
The Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games, set for June 5-7, will include state competitions in cornhole, powerlifting, soccer, tennis, and track and field.
“We are so excited to welcome these talented athletes back to campus for a third straight year,” UW-Whitewater Chancellor Corey A. King said. “As an institution of access, we support and value opportunities to be inclusive of people with all abilities and skill levels. Our experienced staff and beautiful facilities will be ready to welcome everyone, and I can’t wait to join in the celebration of these athletes.”
“Special Olympics Wisconsin is incredibly grateful to have UW-Whitewater as the host for our largest state games once again this summer,” said Chad Hershner, president and CEO of Special Olympics Wisconsin. “Their commitment to fostering inclusion, excellence, and community support aligns perfectly with our mission to create opportunities for individuals with intellectual disabilities. This partnership strengthens our efforts to provide athletes with an unforgettable experience, and we are thrilled to see the Warhawk spirit shine as we come together to celebrate the power of sport and unity.”
The event begins Thursday, June 5, with the opening ceremonies at Perkins Stadium. The evening includes the parade of athletes, lighting of the torch, and remarks from leaders from Special Olympics Wisconsin, UW-Whitewater, and the community.
Competition takes place Friday-Saturday, June 6-7, at UW-Whitewater’s athletic facilities, including Kachel Fieldhouse inside the Williams Center, Rex Foster Track, the Warhawk Outdoor Tennis Complex, and the intramural fields.
Since 1997, Special Olympics has been offering free health screenings and education to Special Olympics athletes in a welcoming, fun environment as part of their Healthy Athletes program. Health Promotions, which focuses on illness prevention and nutrition, and Opening Eyes, which promotes vision and eye health, will take place on Friday, June 6. Special Smiles, which focuses on dentistry, will take place on Saturday, June 7. All Special Olympics Wisconsin athletes — including those not competing at the Games — are encouraged to attend. The Delta Dental of Wisconsin Foundation and Golisano Foundation, and the CDC make the Special Olympics Healthy Athletes program possible.
Volunteers will be needed to staff events and stations throughout the weekend. Sign up to volunteer and stay tuned to the Special Olympics Wisconsin webpage for more information about volunteer needs in the coming months.
UW-Whitewater’s Continuing Education staff hosts the State Summer Games. Last year, the department welcomed more than 12,000 visitors to campus through youth summer camps, and other events run by external partners, including the Special Olympics Wisconsin Summer Games and the Drum Corps International Whitewater Classic.
UW-Whitewater is a leader in youth safety, recently hosting a statewide Youth Safety Summit in partnership with the Universities of Wisconsin and Tree House Child and Family Center of Elkhorn.
“We are fortunate to work with a collaborative Special Olympics Wisconsin staff as well as generous partners on campus and in the local community,” said Lucas Peterson, director of camps and conferences. “Our collective goal is to deliver a uniquely satisfying experience that these athletes remember for the rest of their lives.”
